Casing for protecting food and beverages products, casing blank and method for manufacturing such casing from the casing blank

ABSTRACT

Casing (1000) for transporting food or beverage product, comprising a side panel part (1200) comprising at least two side panels (1201, 1202), each side panel comprising a peripheral free edge (1211, 1212) and a sealing margin (1221, 1222) along the peripheral free edge, and one band (1100), made from one sheet, and comprising a sealing area which is sealed to the sealing margin (1221, 1222) of both side panels, forming a flange (1300) extending outward. Blank for forming such casing and method for manufacturing such casing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a casing for protecting food and beveragesproducts, for example of food or beverage precursors.

More specifically, the invention relates to a casing for storing looseproduct, for example of food or beverage precursors, or individualportions of product, or individual packages of individual portions ofproduct, or a strip of packages of individual portions of product; suchan individual portion of product is for example a roast-and-groundcoffee compacted piece, adapted for the preparation of a food or abeverage in a food or beverage preparation apparatus.

Such a package of a strip of packages (also called flowpack) relates toa package for storing individual portion of food or beverage precursorprotected from the ambient air and mechanical or physical constraintsand which can be adapted to a dispensing device for dispensing theportion individually into a food or beverage preparation apparatus suchas a coffee machine for in-home or professional use.

The invention also relates to a casing blank and a method formanufacturing such a casing from the casing blank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that coffee is sold in airtight packages to protect it fromcontact with air that would cause quick oxidation and loss of aromas.The field of beverage closure capsules has developed tremendouslyessentially because each coffee portion can be well protected by asuitable gastight, functional package until coffee is extracted in asuitable coffee machine.

For example, document WO 2019/219524 discloses a package containingportions of beverage precursor in the form of a portioning bandcomprising a pair of packaging sheets sealed to one another forenclosing and sealing portions individually and separately in asubstantially oxygen impervious manner by the sheets being sealedtogether about each portion, wherein the portions take the form ofsubstantially spherical shapes which are covered on each side of theband by a sheet being formed with cavities to receive a part of eachportion and wherein at least one of the sheet can be cut or torn atleast partially about each portion for removal of each portionindividually. This document also discloses a casing in which theportioning band may be arranged in a continuous manner in superimposedlayers. Such casing can then be positioned in an apparatus to extractthe portioning band from the casing and then prepare the beverage fromone portion.

Document WO 2019/219523 discloses a beverage portion dispenser forreceiving a portioning band containing a plurality of individuallysealed beverage precursor portions for the preparation of a beveragewherein the dispenser comprises means for individually collecting anddispensing the beverage precursor portions to a dispensing area, whereinthe collecting and dispensing means comprises a portion drive assemblyarranged for receiving a part of the flexible portioning band and aseparating assembly for individually separating the beverage precursorportions from the portioning band. Same, the portioning band isinitially arranged in a casing, and is progressively withdrawn from it.

Today, most of the rigid and semi rigid packaging, like such a casing,offer mainly a mechanical shield and are not designed to be tight toexternal aggressions.

Besides, it is desirable to provide a casing which is at leastrecyclable, for example biodegradable, or even possibly compostable.

To this end, casings can be made, for example, of paper-based material,often coated to protect against moisture and/or oxidizing.

The present invention alleviates those problems and seeks to provide acasing which would better protect the products it contains from externalaggressions, and which can be at least made of recyclable material, inparticular of paper-based material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a casing for transportingfood or beverage product, the casing being characterised in that itcomprises:

-   -   a side panel part comprising at least two side panels, each side        panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin        along the peripheral free edge, and    -   one band, made from one sheet, a comprising a sealing area, the        sealing area of the band being sealed to the sealing margin of        both side panels, forming a flange extending outward.

Here, sealing designates any closure means configured to link twoelements one to the other, in order to provide an airtight bond,including for example gluing, soldering or welding.

Airtight bond is a bond between two elements that does not allow air tocross through.

This airtight bond can be quickly tested using a ‘bubble bath test”, thecasing is fully immersed in a water tank in which a vacuum ofapproximately −300 mbars is applied.

The presence or not of bubbles escaping from the sleeve is observed.

This is a quick and inexpensive way to test if the casing is tight andto locate potential leakage. However, this protocol does not allow toqualify any tightness level.

If this type of information is need, a measure of WVTR (Water VaporTransmission Rate) may be made.

The principle is to expose the casing to a tracer gas in a chamber andto insert (in a tight way) a sensor through the wall of the casing andto measure over a certain time the evolution of the quantity of thetracer gas going inside the case (from the chamber full of tracer gasinside the casing)

This protocol is more complicated and slower but allows precisemeasuring of the tightness level.

Owing to such flange (formed by the sealing margin), it is possible deprovide a casing, which can be made of paper-based material, in which ajunction between two different parts can be tight.

Whereas a paper-based material is usually fragile and tears easily, itappears that such a construction enables to build a casing which is notonly mechanically strong enough, but also which can be closed in asufficiently airtight manner to preserve the product it may contain.

The invention thus allows to protect products included in the casingfrom oxygen, moisture, humidity and/or other external possibleaggressions, while also offering a mechanical shield to protect theproducts from impacts, vibrations or other constrains occurring alongthe life of the products.

Preferably, the casing is made out of a minimum of parts that areassembled together with a minimum of junction areas aiming to reduce anypotential leakage.

Consequently, its construction has basically at most three main parts:two side panels and one surrounding “belt”, which are sealed together.

In other words, the band thus surrounds both side panels.

According to an interesting embodiment, the construction can have twomain parts.

For example, both side panels are made from one sheet.

For example, the side panel part is made of one sheet which comprisesthe two side panels and a linking part between the two side panelslinking both side panels one to the other, the side panel part is foldedin a U-shape and the linking part forms a bottom of the U, the linkingpart further comprising two free edges on either side between the twoside panels, and a sealing margin along its two free edges, theperipheral free edge of each side panel extending from one free edge ofthe linking part to the other, and the band being sealed to the sealingmargin of both side panels, and to the sealing margin of both free edgesof the linking part, forming the flange extending outward.

Thus, the side panel part comprises a free peripheral edge, and asealing margin along its free peripheral edge.

This kind of packaging is enhancing conservation, and, simultaneously,mechanical protection of the product the casing may contain.

For example, the casing encloses loose product, for example food orbeverage precursors, for example roast-and-ground coffee.

For example, the casing encloses individual portions of food or beverageprecursors, such as roast-and-ground coffee compacted pieces, adaptedfor the preparation of a food or a beverage in a food or beveragepreparation apparatus.

For example, the casing encloses a strip of packages (also calledflowpack), each of the packages packaging one individual portion of foodor beverage precursors.

The casing is designed in such a way that the flowpack or the individualportions can be stored into it, in an arrangement as compactly aspossible: for example, in a quincunx arrangement.

For example, in case of a flowpack, when the casing is closed, theflowpack is locked in position and cannot move because it has nearly nogap. However, when the casing is open, the flowpack can be progressivelywithdrawn from the casing during dispensing, e.g. delayered or unwound,with one portion at a time, through the opening.

The casing is expected to ensure a certain level, if possible, anoptimized level of barrier to protect the product so it is built in atight manner.

The geometry of the casing could be any geometrical shape, preferably ithas a parallelepiped shape.

According to one example embodiment, at least one of the side panels hasa rounded corner, in particular when the side panel has a polygonalshape.

According to one example embodiment, the sealing flange extendingoutward, extends perpendicularly compared to at least one side panelcore (which is a part of the side panel surrounded by the margin).

According to one example embodiment, the sealing flange comprises a partof the band extending beyond the one side panel.

For example, the part of the band extending beyond the one side panelcomprises the sealing area of the band.

According to one example embodiment, the sealing flange comprises thesealing margin of the one side panel which is folded outward.

According to one interesting embodiment, the flange comprises at leastone notch formed in at least a part of the flange surrounding a cornerof the casing.

A notch here designates a cut, like a V-shape cut, made in a part of thecasing, which enables to limit pleats, in particular where the flangesurrounds a corner of the casing, as this may involve at least twocurvatures of the part of the casing. By limiting pleats, duringformation of the casing, the notches will help ensuring tight bond.

For example, at least one of the side panels can be embossed.

For example, at least a part of the casing, or all, is preferably madeof at least a recyclable and/or recycled material, or alternatively thecasing may be made of biodegradable material or even possibly acompostable material.

For example, at least part of the casing, or all, is preferably made ofa bio-sourced material, preferably a bio-sourced biodegradable orbio-sourced compostable material.

The term “compostable” means that the material is substantially brokendown within a few months or weeks. It can be home compostable orindustrially compostable. When it is industrially composted, thematerial is at least about 90% composted under specific conditionswithin six months as determined by the method of ISO14855 or EN13432.

For example, at least one part can be made of a paper-based structurematerial.

For example, the material comprises a laminated paper.

For example, the material comprises a coating.

For example, the material is made of a barrier paper. Such barrier paperis configured to form a barrier against oxygen and/or humidity (vapor)in order to better preserve what is stored in the casing, and is able tobe sealed, for example glued, in an airtight manner.

For example, at least a part of the casing, or all, is formed of oxygenimpervious material such as a laminate including at least one gasbarrier layer.

For example, the material has a permeability to oxygen (OTR: oxygentransmission rate) which is lower than or equal to 2 mL/m²/day/bar for ashelf life of approximately twelve months.

For example, the material has a permeability to humidity (WTR: watertransmission rate) which is lower than or equal to 2 g/m²/day for ashelf life of approximately twelve months.

Furthermore, it is preferably barrier to UV light.

Examples of materials are PBS, PLA, cellulose and combinations thereof.

The laminate may comprise a seal layer such as PLA, PBA, PBS,copolyester of adipidic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl terephthalate(PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly(vinylacetate-ethylene) (VAE), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) andcombinations thereof. It may comprise an oxygen barrier layer such asEVOH, PVOH, SiOx, cellophane, metal and combinations thereof. An exampleof laminate can be PLA/EVOH/PLA. In these examples, PLA may be replacedby PBA, PBS, PPS, copolyester of adipidic acid, 1,4-butanediol anddimethyl terephthalate (PBAT), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly(vinylacetate-ethylene) (VAE), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) andcombinations thereof. EVOH may also be replaced by PVOH and/or SiOx.

For example, at least one part of the casing is made of a rigid and/orsemi-rigid materials: it could for instance be a fiber based material(solidboard).

For example, the material comprises an overall weight comprised between200 gsm to 1500 gsm.

For example, at least one part of the casing has a thickness comprisedbetween 0.1 mm and 2 mm, for example about 0.5 mm.

The material can be associated with one or several functional layers orother kind of additive (for instance water dispersion coating) whichbrings additional functionality to the base material: sealing, barrierto oxygen, moisture and humidity, or other.

Having only one layer of material could drastically reduce materialusage. It would also facilitate recyclability of such a casing, being asingle layer casing.

According to an interesting example embodiment, the casing is preferablyequipped with an opening system.

The opening system is preferably comprised in the band, although it canbe comprised in one side panel.

For example, the opening system comprises at least one opening, forexample which is made in a part of the casing, and through which someproduct stored in the casing can be extracted from the casing.

For example, the opening system further comprises a closing elementconfigured to close the opening.

According to one example embodiment, the closing element may be a lid ora cap for example, and covers the opening in an airtight manner.

For example, the closing element can thus be glued on the part of thecasing in which the opening is made, or sealed onto the flange.

According to another example embodiment, the closing element may be apulling tongue.

For example, the casing comprises a pre-cut line demarcating the closingelement and/or the opening.

A pre-cut here designates a cut performed in only a part of a thicknessof the sheet and/or weakened lines configured to guide an opening to aspecific pre-defined shape designed for the opening.

Such a pre-cut is for example a few microns deep.

Such a pre-cut can be realised by means of a laser for example.

For example, the pre-cut is a cut performed in only a part of athickness of the sheet of the band.

Then, according to one example embodiment, the band comprises a pullingtongue, the pulling tongue being demarcated by at least one pre-cut linewhich also delimits the opening.

According to one example embodiment, at least a part of the pre-cut lineis done in the sealing area of the band in which the band is sealed toat least the sealing margin of one side panel.

Thus, it keeps a full tightness of the casing before it is open.

According to one example embodiment, the opening system comprises astring.

For example, the string is embedded into a material layer of the sheetof the part of the casing in which the closing element is comprised.

For example, by pulling on the string or on any part attached to thestring, the applied force tears the base material following thepre-defined opening shape defined by the pre-cut line.

The casing thus has an easy opening system.

According to one example embodiment, the opening system is locatednearby one corner of the casing.

For example, once the casing is opened, the closing element remainsattached to the casing. Optionally, it is then locked on position.

According to one example embodiment, the opening comprises a main widepart, through which product can be extracted, and a tail configured tosplit a part of the casing below the main opening into two flaps, likesaloon doors.

Such configuration allows to increase a size of the opening. Inaddition, the two flaps allow to better maintain the product, inparticular individual portions, inside the casing while it is open.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a casing blank tomanufacture a casing as described above.

The casing blank preferably comprises:

-   -   A side panel part comprising at least two side panels,        configured to build the two side panels of the casing, each side        panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin        along the peripheral free edge which is configured to be bent        outward to form a flange, and    -   one band, made from one sheet, comprising a sealing area        configured to be sealed to at least the sealing margin of both        side panels.

For example, the sealing margin of at least one side panel and thesealing area of the band are configured to form at least a part of theflange of the casing extending outward.

For example, at least a part of the blank, or all, is preferably made ofat least a recyclable and/or recycled material, for example abiodegradable material, or even possibly a compostable material,preferably bio-sourced biodegradable or bio-sourced compostablematerial.

The term “compostable” means that the material is substantially brokendown within a few months or weeks. It can be home compostable orindustrially compostable. When it is industrially composted, thematerial is at least about 90% composted under specific conditionswithin six months as determined by the method of ISO14855 or EN13432.

For example, at least one part can be made of a paper-based structurematerial.

For example, the material comprises a laminated paper.

For example, the material comprises a coating.

For example, the material is made of a barrier paper. Such barrier paperis configured to form a barrier against oxygen and/or humidity in orderto better preserve what will be included in the casing, and is able tobe sealed or glued in an air tight manner.

For example, at least a part of the blank, or all, is formed of oxygenimpervious material such as a laminate including at least one gasbarrier layer.

For example, the material has a permeability to oxygen (OTR: oxygentransmission rate) which is lower than or equal to 2 mL/m²/day/bar for ashelf life of approximately twelve months.

For example, the material has a permeability to humidity (WTR: watertransmission rate) which is lower than or equal to 2 g/m²/day for ashelf life of approximately twelve months.

Furthermore, it is preferably barrier to UV light.

Examples of materials are PBS, PLA, cellulose and combinations thereof.

The laminate may comprise a seal layer such as PLA, PBA, PBS,copolyester of adipidic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl terephthalate(PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly(vinylacetate-ethylene) (VAE), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) andcombinations thereof. It may comprise an oxygen barrier layer such asEVOH, PVOH, SiOx, cellophane, metal and combinations thereof. An exampleof laminate can be PLA/EVOH/PLA. In these examples, PLA may be replacedby PBA, PBS, PPS, copolyester of adipidic acid, 1,4-butanediol anddimethyl terephthalate (PBAT), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly(vinylacetate-ethylene) (VAE), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA) andcombinations thereof. EVOH may also be replaced by PVOH and/or SiOx.

For example, at least one part of the blank is made of a rigid and/orsemi-rigid materials: it could for instance be a fiber based material(solidboard).

For example, the material comprises an overall weight comprised between200 gsm to 1500 gsm.

For example, at least one part of the casing has a thickness comprisedbetween 0.1 mm and 2 mm, for example about 0.5 mm.

The material can be associated with one or several functional layers orother kind of additive (for instance water dispersion coating) whichbrings additional functionality to the base material: sealing, barrierto oxygen, moisture and humidity, or other.

Having only one layer of material could drastically reduce materialusage. It would also facilitate recyclability of such a casing, being asingle layer casing.

Preferably, the blank comprises a minimum of parts in order to minimizea number of junction areas aiming to reduce potential leakage of thecasing to be built.

For example, the blank comprises at most three main parts: two sidepanels and one surrounding “belt”.

According to another interesting embodiment, the blank comprises twomain parts.

For example, both side panels are made from one sheet.

For example, the side panel part is made of one sheet which comprisesthe two side panels and a linking part between the two side panelslinking both side panels one to the other.

The linking part comprises for example two free edges on either sidebetween the two side panels, and a sealing margin along its two freeedges.

According to one example embodiment, the linking part of the side panelpart comprises at least one press-formed line which is transverse toboth free edges of the linking part.

This press-formed line eases folding the side panel part in the form ofa U.

The geometry of the side panels can be any geometrical shape, preferablythey have a rectangular shape.

According to one example embodiment, at least one of the side panels hasa rounded corner, in particular when the side panel has a polygonalshape.

According to one example embodiment, at least one of the side panelscomprises a press-formed line which is parallel to at least oneperipheral free edge of the side panel.

Preferably the press-formed line extends parallel to all the peripheralfree edge of the side panel.

For example, such press-formed line is formed a few millimetres at adistance from the peripheral free edge of the side panel, for examplebetween 2 mm and 10 mm, thus forming the sealing margin between theperipheral free edge and the press-formed line.

Such press-formed line helps folding the sealing margin of the sidepanel along its free edge to later seal it to the band to form theflange.

For example, at least one of the side panel can be embossed.

For example, a press-formed line comprises a groove.

For example, the band comprises a length which is at least equal to alength of a peripheral free edge of one of the side panels.

For example, by definition, the length of the band extends along alength direction of the band, and the band comprises a width extendingperpendicularly to the length direction of the band.

According to one example embodiment, the band may have a rounded corner,for example at least a rounded tip.

According to one example embodiment, the band comprises at least onepress-formed line configured to fold the band around a corner of a sidepanel.

Such press-formed line extends alongside the width direction of theband.

According to one interesting embodiment, the casing blank, for examplein particular at least one part of the sealing margin of one side panelor the sealing area of the band which are configured to form at least apart of the flange of the casing extending outward, comprises at leastone notch.

For example, the at least one notch is formed in at least a part of thecasing configured to be folded to surround a corner of the casing.

A notch here designates a cut, like a V cut, made in a part of thecasing blank, which enables to limit pleats in the flange when the partis folded, in particular where the part is configured to for a part ofthe flange to surround a corner of the casing.

Such a notch eases sealing of one side panel and the band in corners ofthe casing in a tight manner as they help avoiding pleats when thesealing margin is folded around corners.

According to an interesting example embodiment, the casing blankcomprises an opening system, configured to form an opening system of thecasing to be built.

The opening system is preferably comprised in the band blank, althoughit can be comprised in one side panel blank.

For example, the opening system comprises at least one opening.

For example, the opening system further comprises at least a closingelement configured to close the opening.

According to one example embodiment, the closing element may be a lid ora cap for example, and covers the opening in an airtight manner.

For example, the closing element can thus be glued on the part of thecasing blank in which the opening is made, or sealed to it.

According to another example embodiment, the closing element may be apulling tongue.

For example, the casing blank comprises a pre-cut line demarcating theclosing element and/or the opening.

A pre-cut here designates a cut performed in only a part of a thicknessof the sheet and/or weakened lines configured to guide an opening to aspecific pre-defined shape designed for the opening.

Such a pre-cut is for example a few microns deep.

Such a pre-cut can be realised by means of a laser for example.

For example, the pre-cut is a cut performed in only a part of athickness of the sheet of the band.

Then, according to one example embodiment, the band comprises a pullingtongue, the pulling tongue being demarcated by at least one pre-cut lineconfigured to also delimit the opening.

According to one example embodiment, at least a part of the pre-cut isdone in the sealing area of the band in which the band is configured tobe sealed to at least the sealing margin of at least one side panel.

According to one example embodiment, the opening system comprises astring.

For example, the string is embedded into a material layer of the sheetof the part of the casing blank in which the closing element iscomprised.

For example, by pulling on the string or on any part attached to thestring, the applied force tears the base material of the casing blankfollowing the pre-defined opening shape defined by the pre-cut line.

According to one example embodiment, the opening system is locatednearby one end of the band, or nearby a folding zone of the band inorder to be nearby a corner of the casing when this later is built.

According to one example embodiment, the closing element is configuredto remain attached to the casing once the casing is opened. Optionally,it is configured to be possibly locked on position.

According to one example embodiment, the opening comprises a main widepart, and a tail configured to split a part of the casing blank next tothe main wide part into two flaps, like saloon doors.

Such configuration allows to increase a size of the opening. Inaddition, the two flaps are configured to allow to better maintainproduct, in particular individual portions, inside the casing while itis open.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method formanufacturing a casing as described above.

For example, the method comprises a step of providing a casing blank asdescribed above.

For example, the method comprises steps of:

-   -   sealing a sealing area of the band on at least a part of the        sealing margin of a first of the two side panels, forming at        least a part of the flange extending outward;    -   placing product on the first side panel;    -   sealing a sealing area of the band along the sealing margin of a        second of the two side panels, finalizing forming a flange        extending outward.

For example, the product is supplied as loose product or in individualportion.

For example, an individual portion can be packed in a package, eachpackage thus comprising a portion of food or beverage precursor.

For example, packages can be provided individually, or in a strip ofpackages.

For example, the strip of packages can be wound in superimposed layers,with portions of packages arranged in quincunx between two adjacentlayers of the strip of packages.

Therefore, the two side panels and the band are completely sealed one tothe other so that the casing is sealed at least in an air tight manner.

Here, a sealing step designate any closing step configured to link twoelements one to the other in an airtight fashion, including for examplegluing, soldering or welding.

According to one example embodiment, one sealing step comprises, anultrasonic sealing step, a heat-sealing step, a gluing step (for examplehot melt glue), a soldering or welding step, or any combination thereof,preferably including one ultrasonic sealing step.

According to one example embodiment, the method comprises a step offolding the band about at least one press-formed line to position theband around one corner of the first side panel.

According to one example embodiment, the method comprises a step offolding a sealing margin of at least one of the side panels along acorresponding press-formed line which is parallel to at least a part ofthe peripheral free edge of the side panel in order to form at least apart of the flange.

For example, the sealing margin is bent outward (compared to a coreportion of the side panel).

According to one example embodiment, the method further comprises stepsof:

-   -   folding the side panel part made of one sheet into a U about the        linking part;    -   sealing the linking part of the side panel part to at least one        end of the band; and    -   completing sealing a sealing area of the band along a sealing        margin of the side panel part.

For example, the step of folding the side panel part into a U about thelinking part is performed after the step of sealing the band along thesealing margin of the first side panel.

For example, the step of completing sealing of the band along thesealing margin of the side panel part comprises a step of sealing theband along the sealing margin of the second side panel.

According to one example embodiment, the step of folding the side panelpart comprises a step of folding the linking part about at least onepress-formed line.

For example, during any folding step, notches can enable to avoid pleatsand therefore provide a better tightness of a corresponding sealingbetween the corresponding parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the description of thepresently preferred embodiments which are set out below with referenceto the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 a shows an example embodiment of one individual portion ofproduct like a food or beverage precursor;

FIG. 1 b shows an example embodiment of a wound strip of packagescomprising a plurality of food or beverage precursor's portion packages;

FIG. 2 shows a casing according to a first example embodiment of theinvention, in a closed configuration (FIG. 2 a ) and open configuration(FIG. 2 b );

FIG. 3 shows a casing according to a second example embodiment of theinvention, in a closed configuration (FIG. 3 a ) and open configuration(FIG. 3 b );

FIG. 4 shows a band blank according to one example embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a side panel blank according to a first example embodimentof the invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a casing according to a third example embodiment of theinvention in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 shows a band blank according to another example embodiment of theinvention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 6 ;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show examples of a sealing of a band according to oneexample embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 shows a casing according to a fourth example embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a casing according to a fifth example embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 shows a band blank according to an example embodiment of theinvention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 12 shows a side panel blank according to an example embodiment ofthe invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 13 shows method steps (FIG. 13 a , FIG. 13 b and FIG. 13 c ) formanufacturing a casing according to one example embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 14 shows an illustration of a food or beverage preparationapparatus receiving a casing according to an example embodiment of theinvention comprising a strip of packages of individual portions(flowpack) for individually dispensing one portion from one package ofthe strip of packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates an individual food and beverage portion 1 such asroast-and-ground coffee compacted piece, adapted for the preparation ofa food or a beverage in a food or beverage preparation apparatus.

One portion 1 may contain a few grams of food or beverage precursors,for example 3 to 12 grams, corresponding to at least one or part of aserving of food or beverage, one serving may need several precursors toform a beverage depending on the type of beverage to be done (expresso,lungo . . . ). The beverage precursor is preferable essentiallyroast-and-ground coffee. The beverage precursor may also comprise a mixof roast-and-ground coffee and soluble coffee or roast-and groundcoffee, chocolate powder and milk powder. For example, one portion maybe suitable for preparing one cup of coffee, but for a lungo, twoportions may be needed.

The portions are preferably spherical. In the present description, theterm “spherical” encompasses also designs such as multiple facets (e.g.like a “football” shape) or a sphere having truncated faces of diameterless than the diameter of the sphere or slightly ovoid or oval or eggshapes. A preferred shape is however a ball with substantially circularcross-sections.

Such individual portions 1, for example 20 to 30 of them, can be packeddirectly in a casing. Spacers or interlayers may be added in the casingto separate and/or preserve the integrity of the individual portions,thereby defining a storing pattern.

FIG. 1 b shows food or beverage precursor's portions packed into aprimary packaging, also called “flowpack” as an example embodiment.

Such flowpack is a flexible strip of packages 100 comprising at leasttwo packages 30, 40, each comprising a cavity, for example betweentwenty and thirty packages, often about 24 packages, each cavity of themreceiving one pearl of product, i.e. one portion of product as presentedin FIG. 1 a.

A flowpack as described above can be easily wound in superimposedlayers, with the portions of one package 30, 40 arranged in quincunxbetween two adjacent layers of the strip of packages 100, as shown inFIG. 1 .

However, the storing pattern may vary depending on desired dimensions ofa casing in which it should be stored.

Such wound strip of packages 100, or individual portions like portion 1,or even loose product (not illustrated here), can then be packed in acasing according to the invention.

The casing is here shaped as a box with an overall parallelepipedalform. As illustrated in FIG. 2 for example, it has a narrow rectangularbottom and top, two large side panels and narrower front and rear walls.

The casing is expected to ensure an optimized, or at least a certainlevel of barrier to protect the product so it is built in a tightmanner. In particular, it allows to protect food and beverage productsincluded in the casing from oxygen, moisture, humidity and/or otherexternal possible aggressions, while also offering a mechanical shieldto protect the products from impacts, vibrations or other constrainsoccurring along the life of the products.

In addition, at least a part of the casing, or all, is preferably madeof at least a recyclable and/or recycled material, for example abiodegradable material, or even possibly a compostable material,preferably bio-sourced biodegradable or bio-sourced compostablematerial.

Preferably, the casing is made out of a minimum of parts that areassembled together with a minimum of junction areas aiming to reduce anypotential leakage.

Consequently, its construction comprises preferably at most three parts:two side panels and one surrounding “belt”.

Those parts are bounded and/or linked together, preferably sealedtogether.

For example, three main embodiments can be considered, in which wherethe casing is made out of one, two or three parts.

-   -   1/The casing can be made out of three parts (two side panels and        one surrounding band). These three parts are sealed or glued        together in a tight manner, as illustrated in FIG. 6 for        example. For this construction, the band can be overlapping,        even by forming an external tongue, made out of the two ends of        the band, sealed or glued together. Optionally, this tongue can        then be folded by 90° and if necessary, can be crushed or        flattened by a mechanical tool (with or without heat), as        illustrated in FIG. 8 b for example. This step aims at closing        the potential remaining leakage paths at this 3-points junction.        FIG. 8 a shows another example embodiment in which both ends of        the band are juxtaposed and the casing is sealed by an        additional envelop wrapped around both ends.    -   2/The casing can be made out of two parts: for example, both        side panels are linked together and are fully assembled with the        band. Such an embodiment is illustrated by FIGS. 2 to 5 , and        FIGS. 9 to 13 .    -   3/At last, in a most optimized version, the casing can be made        out of only one part and/or pre-formed part, which is        folded/bended and sealed or glued by a specific tooling and        process in order to obtain a fully tight structure. Such an        embodiment is not illustrated here.

This is enhanced by some specific functionalities of the base material(as its stretchability) and some specific pre-processing steps (likepre-cutting enabling a double curvatures of the material to ensure thejunction at the rounded angles).

Some embodiments are described here below in connection with FIGS. 2 to12 .

FIG. 2 shows a casing 1000 for transporting food or beverage precursor'sportions, in a closed configuration in FIG. 2 a , and in an openconfiguration in FIG. 2 b . The casing 1000 comprises here two mainparts: a side panel part 1200, and one band 1100 made from one sheet.

The side panel part 1200 is made from one sheet too, and comprises heretwo side panels 1201, 1202 and a linking part 1203 between the two sidepanels 1201, 1202 linking both side panels one to the other.

Thus here, both side panels are made from one sheet.

The side panel part is folded in a U-shape, with the linking partforming a bottom of the U.

To provide a tight casing, the side panel part 1200 is sealed to theband 1100 forming a flange 1300 extending outward.

Such flange 1300 comprises a sealing area of the band 1100 and a sealingmargin of the side panel part 1200 which are sealed to each other.

Owing to such a flange 1300, it is possible to provide a casing, whichcan be made of paper-based material, in which a junction between twodifferent parts can be tight.

Here, the band 1100 remains flat while the sealing margin of the sidepanel part 1200 is bent outward, and according to the illustratedembodiment, the sealing margin is folded perpendicularly compared to aside panel core (which is a part of the side panel surrounded by thesealing margin).

Furthermore, the casing is here provided with an opening system 1400.

More specifically here, the band 1100 comprises said opening system 1400which comprises an opening 1430 and closing element 1410 configured toclose the opening 1430.

The opening 1430 (indicated in dotted line in FIG. 2 a as seen throughthe closing element 1410) is for example configured to pull food orbeverage precursor out of the casing.

The closing element 1410 configured to close the opening 1430 is here alid, or a cap.

The closing element is sealed in an airtight manner, for example glued,over the opening, on a part of the band in which the opening 1430 ismade.

For example, the closing element 1410 is a leaf. Such a leaf can betransparent and/or of any colour. It could also be of the same materialas the band.

The closing element can be sealed before or after construction of thecasing. The closing element can be applied to the band and sealed duringsealing of the band to the side panels. For example, the closing elementcan be of a same width as the band and sealed to the sealing area of theband.

To ease the opening, the closing element 1410 can comprise a tipconfigured to be pulled by a user in order to peel the closing elementoff.

The opening system is preferably located nearby one corner of thecasing.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 a , a tip of the opening system 1400 issituated nearby a folded portion of the band 1100.

This construction as illustrated in FIG. 2 generates for example twomain physical specificities compared to a “traditional” not-tightcasing:

-   -   Rounded corners, for example with a radius of about 10 mm;    -   two surrounded sealing flange 1300 (at least one on each side        panel), for example with a width of about 4 mm.

The outer dimensions of the casing 1000 are for example 280 mm×90 mm×50mm. These dimensions could change.

The thickness of the material constituting the casing is for exampleabout 0.3 mm. However, it can vary from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm for example.

FIGS. 3 to 12 show different embodiments of casings.

On these figures, same numeral references are used to designate samefeatures as in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b but starting by an incremented number“x---” instead of “1---”.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show an example embodiment of a casing 2000.

The casing 2000 differs from the casing 1000 of FIGS. 2 a and 2 b inthat the tip of the opening system 2400 is situated nearby an end of theband 2100, instead of a folded portion of the band and in that theopening system is different.

Such an embodiment can provide an easier take of the opening system by auser in order to open the casing, while keeping the casing tight when itis closed.

In this embodiment, the opening 2430 is similar to the opening 1430 ofFIG. 2 .

But, the closing element 2410 here comprises a pulling tongue which isdemarcated by at least one pre-cut line delimiting the opening 2430.

A pre-cut here designates a cut performed in only a part of a thicknessof the sheet.

Such a cut is for example a few microns deep to realise such pre-cut.

Such a pre-cut can be realised by means of a laser for example.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b , a part of the pre-cut (corresponding toa rim of the wide part 2431 of the opening 2430) is formed in thesealing area of the band 2100 forming the flange 2300.

Thus, it keeps a full tightness of the casing before it is open.

According to one example embodiment, the closing element 2410 comprisesa string, not shown. For example, the string can be embedded into amaterial layer of the sheet of the band 2100.

By pulling on the closing element 2410, the base material of the band2100 is teared along the pre-cut line, following the pre-defined shapeof the opening 2430.

The casing thus has an easy opening system.

For example, once the casing is opened, the closing element 2410 mayremain attached to the casing. Optionally, it is then locked onposition.

FIG. 4 show an example embodiment of a blank to form a band 2100′.

The band 2100′ comprises a length which is at least equal to a length ofa peripheral free edge of one corresponding side panel.

For example, by definition, the length of the band extends along alength direction of the band, and the band comprises a width extendingperpendicularly to the length direction of the band.

The band 2100′ is similar to the band 2100 of FIG. 3 a , except in thatthe opening system 2400′ comprises closing element 2410′ defining theopening which here comprises only a main wide part 2431′, but no tail.

Furthermore, as better visible in this figure; the band 2100′ comprisespress-formed lines 2500′ configured to fold the band 2100′, inparticular around a corner of a corresponding side panel.

Such press-formed lines 2500′ extends alongside the width direction ofthe band 2100′.

In addition, ends of the band 2100′ here have rounded shape; however,they could have square shapes, optionally with rounded corners, as band2100 of FIG. 3 a or band 1100 of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 5 shows a blank for the side panel part 1200, or 2200, in whichboth side panels are made from one sheet.

Thus, numeral references of FIG. 2 are indicated here, but same wouldapply with numeral references of FIG. 3 , as side panel parts of FIGS. 2and 3 are identical.

The side panel part 1200 is of a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

The side panel part 1200 comprises a peripheral free edge 1210 and asealing margin 1220 along the peripheral free edge 1210.

Both side panel 1201, 1202, said first side panel 1201 and second sidepanel 1202, comprise a free peripheral edge 1211, 1212, and a sealingmargin 1221, 1222 along their respective free peripheral edges 1211,1212.

The linking part 1203 comprises two free edges 1213 on either sidebetween the two side panels 1201, 1202, and a sealing margin 1223 alongits two free edges 1213.

The peripheral free edge 1211, 1212 of each side panel 1201, 1202extends from one free edge 1213 of the linking part to the other.

Then, the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panel part 1200 is hereconstituted by the peripheral free edge 1211 of the first side panel1201, the peripheral free edge 1212 of the second side panel 1202, andthe peripheral free edges 1213 of the linking part 1203.

Same, the sealing margin 1220 of the side panel part 1200 is hereconstituted by the sealing margin 1221 of the first side panel 1201, thesealing margin 1222 of the second side panel 1202, and the sealingmargins 1223 of the linking part 1203.

The sealing margin 1220 of the side panel part 1200 is configured to besealed to a sealing area of one band (either band 1100 of FIG. 2 a , orband 2100 of FIG. 3 a or band 2100′ of FIG. 4 , or others).

The sealing margin 1220 is configured to be bent outward (compared to atleast one side panel core 1204, 1205 which is a part of the side panel1201, 1202 surrounded by the sealing margin 1221, 1222 respectively) inorder to form the flange 1300 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or in FIG. 3 ).

To this end, the side panel part 1200 comprises a press-formed line 1207which is parallel to the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panelpart.

Such press-formed line 1207 is formed for example a few millimetres at adistance from the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panel part 1200,for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, thus forming the sealing margin 1220between the peripheral free edge 1210 and the press-formed line 1207.

Such press-formed line 1207 helps bending the sealing margin 1220 of theside panel part 1200 to later seal it to the band to forming the flange1300 (visible FIG. 2 , or FIG. 3 ).

Besides, the linking part 1203 comprises press-formed lines 1206 whichare transverse to both free edges 1213 of the linking part 1203.

These press-formed lines ease folding the side panel part 1200 in theform of a U.

Furthermore, each corner of the side panel part 1200 here comprisesnotches 1208.

Additional notches 1208 are provided on edges 1213 of the linking part1203 to help folding.

For example, a notch 1208 is a cut, like a V cut, made in a part of thesealing margin 1220.

Such notches enable to limit pleats, in particular where the flangesurrounds a corner of the casing, as this may involve at least twocurvatures of the part of the casing.

Thus, in general, notches 1208 may be provided anywhere more than onecurvature shall be needed.

Therefore, such notches ease sealing of the side panel part and the bandin corners in a tight manner as they help avoiding pleats when thesealing margin is folded around corners.

FIG. 6 now shows an example embodiment of a casing 3000 which is formedof three parts: two side panels 3201, 3202 and a surrounding band 3100.Such a casing measures for example about 260 mm×160 mm×46 mm.

In other words, the casing 3000 here comprises a side panel part 3200which comprises two separated side panels, without linking part.

Both side panels 3201, 3202 are identical.

They are of a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and each comprisesa peripheral free edge (all around the side panel) and a sealing marginalong the peripheral free edge.

As in the embodiments above described, the sealing margin of each sidepanel is bent outward (compared to a side panel core, which is a part ofthe side panel 3201, 3202 surrounded by the sealing margin) in order toform the flange 3300.

A band 3100, as one which can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 6 , isillustrated in FIG. 7 .

The band 3100 is of a rectangular shape, here with right angle corners.

The band 3100 comprises a length which is at least equal to a length ofthe peripheral free edge of the corresponding side panels, andpreferably greater to allow the ends to overlap each other.

In case the band 3100 is connected end to end, without overlapping, itslength is shorter that the length of the peripheral free edge of thecorresponding side panels.

The band 3100 comprises four sets of press-formed lines 3500, extendingalongside the width direction of the band 3100, configured to fold theband 3100 around the corners of the corresponding side panels.

The band 3100 further comprises an opening system 3400 which comprisesclosing element 3410, as a pulling tongue, and an opening which herecomprises only a main wide part 3431, as the band of FIG. 4 .

Here, the opening system 3400 is situated between two foldable zones,each of which is here formed by a set of press-formed lines 3500.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of a sealing of a band like band 3100of FIG. 7 , for a casing like casing 3000 of FIG. 6 .

When the band surrounds all side panels, the casing may still be tight.

One solution is to have the ends of the band overlapping.

One solution, as illustrated in FIG. 8 a , is to have the ends of theband joined end to end. In this case, an additional envelop 3130 can beadded around both ends.

Another solution, as illustrated in FIG. 8 b , the ends of the band aresealed one to the other by forming an external tongue, and then thistongue can then be folded to be flattened on the band, for example by90°, by a mechanical tool, like for example rolls. This step aims atclosing a potential remaining leakage path at such a 3-points junction.

FIG. 9 shows a casing 4000 according to a fourth example embodiment ofthe invention.

This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3 , in particularas it is made of two main parts: a side panel part 4200 and one band4100, made from one sheet.

The side panel part 4200 is made from the one sheet and comprises heretwo side panels 4201, 4202 and a linking part 4203 between the two sidepanels 4201, 4202 linking both side panels one to the other.

As before, the side panel part is folded in a U-shape, with the linkingpart forming a bottom of the U.

To provide a tight casing, the side panel part 4200 is sealed to theband 4100 forming a flange 4300 extending outward.

This embodiment differs from the one of FIG. 3 mainly in that thelinking part 4203 is narrower than the side panels 4201, 4202.Therefore, both side panels and the linking part here define one recessbetween both side panels.

The band 4100 is similar to the band 2100′ of FIG. 4 , and compriseshere an opening system 4400 which comprises a closing element 4410 as apulling tongue and an opening which here comprises only a main wide part4431.

In this example embodiment, a tip of the opening system is situatednearby an end of the band 4100 which is in the recess between both sidepanels.

FIG. 10 shows a casing 5000 according to a fifth example embodiment ofthe invention.

This embodiment only differs from the one of FIG. 9 in that the band5100, which is identical to the band 4100, is placed the other way.

Then, the opening system 5400 is positioned nearby an edge of thelinking part 5203 which is opposite the edge of the linking part in therecess between both side panels of the side panel part 5200.

FIG. 11 shows a blank for the band 4100 (or 5100), as used in thecasings of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 .

Thus, numeral references of FIG. 9 are indicated here, but same wouldapply with numeral references of FIG. 10 , as the bands of FIGS. 9 and10 are identical.

Here the band 4100 is made of one sheet and is of a rectangular shapewith rounded ends.

In addition, it comprises the opening system 4400, a tip of which issituated at one end of the band.

FIG. 12 shows a blank for the side panel 4200 (or 5200), as used in thecasings of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 .

Thus, numeral references of FIG. 9 are indicated here, but same wouldapply with numeral references of FIG. 10 , as the side panel parts ofFIGS. 9 and 10 are identical.

The side panel part 4200 is made from the one sheet and comprises here afirst side panel 4201 and a second side panel 4202 and a linking part4203 between the two side panels 4201, 4202 linking both side panels oneto the other.

In this embodiment, the linking part 4203 is narrower than the sidepanels 4201, 4202. Therefore, both side panels and the linking part heredefine one recess between both side panels, here on one side only of thelinking part.

The side panels 4201, 4202 are of a rectangular shape with three roundedcorners.

The side panel part 4200 comprises a peripheral free edge 4210 and asealing margin 4220 along the peripheral free edge 4210.

To ease folding of the sealing margin 4220 to later seal it to the bandin order to form the flange 4300, the side panel part 4200 comprises apress-formed line 4207 which is parallel to the peripheral free edge4210 of the side panel part.

Such press-formed line 4207 is formed for example a few millimetres at adistance from the peripheral free edge 4210 of the side panel part 4200,for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, thus forming the sealing margin 4220between the peripheral free edge 4210 and the press-formed line 4207.

Besides, each corner, including the recess, of the side panel part 4200here comprises notches 4208.

For example, the notches 4208 are formed in the sealing margin 4220.

Such notches could also be added in the sealing margin of the linkingpart which is opposite the recess.

Such notches ease sealing of the side panel part 4200 and the band, forexample band 4100, in corners in a tight manner as they help avoidingpleats when the sealing margin is folded around corners.

Thus, depending on the way of positioning the band 4100 of FIG. 11relatively to the side panel part 4200 of FIG. 12 , either casing 4000of FIG. 9 or casing 5000 of FIG. 10 is obtained.

FIG. 13 shows method steps for manufacturing a casing according to oneexample embodiment of the invention.

For the example, numeral references of FIG. 2 are used, but same wouldapply to the other embodiments.

In FIG. 13 a , a blank for a side panel part 1200 comprising at leasttwo side panels 1201, 1202, and a blank for a band 1100 is provided.

For example, the method comprises a step of bending outward a sealingmargin of a first side panel 1201 in order to form a flange 1300 inwhich the band 1100 shall be sealed.

One step then comprises here sealing at least a part of the band 1100 onat least a part of the sealing margin of the first side panel 1201, andhere on all sealing margin of the first side panel, forming a part ofthe flange 1300 extending outward.

For example, the method comprises a step of folding the band 1100 aboutat least one press-formed line to position the band 1100 around onecorner of the first side panel 1201.

Another step comprises placing product, either portions of a strip ofpackages 100 like illustrated here, on the first side panel 1201, whichis surrounded at least in part by the band 1100.

For example, the strip of packages 100 is wound as illustrated in FIG. 1b.

In FIG. 13 b , the method comprises a step of folding the side panelpart 1200 made of one sheet into a U about the linking part 1203, orpreferably about at least one press-formed line of the linking part1203.

The method also comprises a step of sealing the linking part 1203 of theside panel part 1200 to the ends of the band 1100.

In FIG. 13 c , the method comprises a step of completing the sealing ofthe side panel part 1200 with the band 1100, in particular sealing theband 1100 with the sealing margin of the second side panel 1202,finalizing forming the flange 1300 extending outward.

In case the casing is receiving individual portions 1 not packaged in aflowpack, the individual portions are directly inserted in the casing.Spacers or interlayers may be added in the casing to separate and/orpreserve the integrity of the individual portions, thereby defining astoring pattern. This embodiment is not represented.

In any case, the final closing of the casing is done under controlledatmosphere, in order to avoid entrance of oxygen that would haveoxidizing and/or damaging effects on the product or precursor portions,especially in terms of preservation.

FIG. 14 shows an example embodiment of a food or beverage preparationapparatus 300 using a flowpack of packaged individual portions 1.

Such apparatus may be mainly as one described in WO 2019/219523 or WO2019/219524.

The apparatus comprises a seat to receive a casing as described above,with the opening of the casing close to a portion removing assembly ofthe apparatus.

The portion removing assembly preferably comprises a portion capturingrotary drum 301 driven in rotation in a stepwise fashion by a drivingassembly.

The portion capturing rotary drum comprises a plurality of receivingholes 302 formed in an outer annular wall 303 of the drum 301.

The receiving holes 302 are individually dimensioned and arranged atdistance one another so as to match with the distance d betweenneighboring packages 30, 40 of the strip of packages 100.

As the portions are captured by the receiving cavities movingstep-wisely, the strip of packages 100 is progressively withdrawn fromthe casing.

The apparatus 300 further comprises package opening means 304 such as acutting tool arranged for opening the cavities of one package by cuttingalong one cutting line in at least one side of one package to removeeach portion individually. The cutting tool may be driven by a linearmotorized actuator configured for moving the cutting tool reciprocallybetween a retracted position and a cutting position. The cutting toolmay be formed as a cylinder of diameter slightly larger than thediameter of one beverage portion and may comprise at least one bladearranged circumferentially on the free edge of the cylinder. Preferably,the cutting tool is arranged to cut the strip of packages 100 on atleast 200° or preferably between 300 and 340° about the portion toprovide sufficient opening of the cavity and facilitate ejection of theportion while keeping the package material in one piece.

The apparatus 300 may further comprise portion ejection means 305 forexpulsing the portion from the cavity after the package is cut open. Theportion ejection means 305 may take various forms. In the illustratedexample, the portion ejection 305 means comprise a cam which isstationary arranged on an internal bearing which is arrangedco-centrically relative to the rotary drum 301. The cam is preferablypositioned angularly, e.g. an angle of 50-80 degrees after the cuttingtool, to push the portion outside the corresponding cavity as the drum301 rotates (as illustrated in FIG. 14 in clockwise direction R).

The apparatus 300 may further comprise a chute or the like, arranged forgently receiving and transporting by gravity or otherwise (e.g. airpressure), the portion to a food or beverage preparation device toprepare the food or beverage.

Then, the apparatus 300 preferably comprises at least one container toreceive the used package material on one side and the organic residue(food or beverage precursor portion after use) on another side, whicheases recycling and composting of waste.

1. Casing for transporting food or beverage product, the casingcomprising: a side panel part comprising at least two side panels, eachside panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin alongthe peripheral free edge, and one band, made from one sheet, andcomprising a sealing area, and the sealing area of the band being sealedto the sealing margin of both side panels, forming a flange extendingoutward.
 2. Casing according to claim 1, wherein the side panel part ismade of one sheet which comprises the two side panels and a linking partbetween the two side panels linking both side panels one to the other,the side panel part is folded in a U-shape and the linking part forms abottom of the U, the linking part further comprising two free edges oneither side between the two side panels, and a sealing margin along itstwo free edges, the peripheral free edge of each side panel extendingfrom one free edge of the linking part to the other, and the band beingsealed to the sealing margin of both side panels, and to the sealingmargin of both free edges of the linking part, forming the flangeextending outward.
 3. Casing according to claim 1, wherein it comprisesan opening system comprising at least one opening and a closing elementconfigured to close the opening.
 4. Casing according to claim 3, whereinit comprises a pre-cut line demarcating the closing element and theopening.
 5. Casing according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of thepre-cut line is done in the sealing area of the band in which the bandis sealed to at least the sealing margin of one side panel.
 6. Casingaccording to claim 1, wherein the flange comprises at least one notchformed in at least a part of the flange surrounding a corner of thecasing.
 7. Casing blank to manufacture a casing, the casing blankcomprising: a side panel part comprising at least two side panels,configured to build two side panels of the casing, each side panelcomprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin along theperipheral free edge which is configured to be bent outward to form aflange, and one band, made from one sheet, comprising a sealing areaconfigured to be sealed to at least the sealing margin of both sidepanels.
 8. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein the side panelpart is made of one sheet which comprises the two side panels and alinking part between the two side panels linking both side panels one tothe other.
 9. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein it comprises anopening system comprising at least one opening.
 10. Casing blankaccording to claim 9, wherein the opening system further comprises atleast a closing element configured to close the opening, and a pre-cutline demarcating the closing element and the opening.
 11. Casing blankaccording to claim 10, wherein at least a part of the pre-cut line isdone in the sealing area of the band in which the band is configured tobe sealed to at least the sealing margin of one side panel.
 12. Casingblank according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the side panelscomprises a press-formed line which is parallel to at least oneperipheral free edge of the side panel, and which is formed a fewmillimetres at a distance from the peripheral free edge of the sidepanel, thus forming the sealing margin between the peripheral free edgeand the press-formed line.
 13. Casing blank according to claim 7,wherein at least one of the sealing margin of one side panel or thesealing area of the band comprises at least one notch in at least a partconfigured to surround a corner.
 14. Method for manufacturing a casingcomprising steps of: providing a blank casing for transporting food orbeverage product, the casing comprising: a side panel part comprising atleast two side panels, each side panel comprising a peripheral free edgeand a sealing margin along the peripheral free edge, one band, made fromone sheet, and comprising a sealing area, and the sealing area of theband being sealed to the sealing margin of both side panels, forming aflange extending outward; sealing a sealing area of the band on at leasta part of the sealing margin of a first of the two side panels, formingat least a part of the flange extending outward; placing product on thefirst side panel; and sealing a sealing area of the band along thesealing margin of a second of the two side panels, finalizing formingthe flange extending outward.
 15. Method according to claim 14,comprising a step of folding a sealing margin of at least one of theside panels along a corresponding press-formed line which is parallel toat least a part of the peripheral free edge of the side panel in orderto form at least a part of the flange.
 16. Method according to claim 14,further comprising steps of: folding the side panel part made of onesheet into a U about the linking part; sealing the linking part of theside panel part to at least one end of the band; and completing sealinga sealing area of the band along a sealing margin of the side panelpart.